The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced medical screening for intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to Saudi Arabia, in preparation for a smooth and hitch-free pilgrimage.

The Board, under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Malam Sa’adu Hassan, said the comprehensive health screening complements the religious requirements that all intending pilgrims must fulfil before performing Hajj.

Malam Sa’adu noted that greater emphasis is being placed on the health status of pilgrims this year to ensure their medical fitness ahead of the pilgrimage.

He explained that the screening is being conducted at the Specialist Hospital, Gombe, and added that although medical checks are not usually carried out this early, new directives from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have made it mandatory.

“We are here to comply with directives from the Saudi authorities, conveyed through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), which require health status screening for all intending pilgrims. Without these medical records, pilgrims will not be granted visas. This is a condition set by the Saudi Government for visa issuance. That is why we have gathered all intending male and female pilgrims today, Monday, 12 January 2026,” he said.

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According to Malam Sa’adu, the medical screening goes beyond the routine vaccinations for yellow fever and meningitis, as well as pregnancy tests for female pilgrims. Another round of pregnancy tests will be conducted after three months to prevent the travel of pregnant women, as this is not permitted by Saudi authorities.

He further explained that additional medical examinations have been introduced this year.

“It is no longer just about pregnancy tests for women or vaccinations for yellow fever and meningitis. This year, additional tests have been introduced, including kidney function tests, heart examinations and psychiatric assessments. Parts of the body will also be examined. Once the results are obtained, they will be attached to the pilgrim’s passport. For example, if Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq is certified medically fit, his health status will be documented and he will be issued a visa,” Malam Sa’adu said.

Meanwhile, the Medical Director of the Specialist Hospital, Gombe, Dr Sambo Dawa, assured both the government and intending pilgrims of a smooth and efficient medical screening process.

“This type of comprehensive medical screening has not been conducted here until this year. Those who have previously participated in Hajj will tell you that some pilgrims develop health challenges that prevent them from performing the rites. That is why you have been asked to come to the Specialist Hospital in Jekadafari, Gombe, for thorough medical examinations.

We have qualified laboratory scientists and senior doctors who will attend to you. If no medical issues are found, you will be cleared. If there are issues that could affect your ability to perform Hajj, we will treat them ahead of time. If travelling may pose a serious risk to your health, we will advise you accordingly. This does not mean you cannot perform Hajj permanently; you may be able to do so in a subsequent year,” Dr Dawa said.

A total of 960 intending pilgrims from the 11 local government areas of Gombe State have registered and have been urged to report to the Specialist Hospital for the Hajj fitness medical screening.